On his deathbed, Saint Anthony asked to see a statue of Mary

Today we want to talk to you about Saint Anthony's great love for María Rosal (Fernán‐Núñez, Córdoba, 1961) is a complete writer. She has published children's theatre, has received the Andalusian Critics' Award (2004), the Children's Poetry Award (2007) and the José Hierro National Poetry Award for Carmín rojo sangre (2015). Her poetic work has been translated into English, Italian and Greek.<br/> <br/> This is her second book for children in edebé, after the funniest title, El secreto de las patatas fritas.<br/> <br/> Maria has a very funny sense of humour.. In previous articles we were able to see how many saints venerated and were devoted to the Virgin. Today, after Saint Francis, we talk about the love of this other saint, who was also very loved by the faithful.

Saint Anthony's love for Mary was manifested since my youth, when he came into contact with the Poor Clare nuns, a religious order founded by Santa Chiara, a great devotee of Mary.

This devotion then became deeper when it became part of theFranciscan order. The Franciscans had a great devotion to Mary and Saint Anthony joined them enthusiastically. He often preached about the life of Mary and he encouraged his faithful to follow his example of humility, obedience and love for God.

But this devotion reached its peak during his final illness. According to tradition, while he was on his deathbed, Saint Anthony asked to see someone statue of the Madonna. When the statue was placed next to her bed, she opened her eyes and smiled, saying: “Now I am ready to die, because I see my mother and my queen."

The saint did not keep his love for the Virgin only to himself, he taught everyone that love for Mary was a way to get closer to Jesus and to imitate his humility and obedience.

Prayer to Mary

Our lady, our only hope, we beg you to illuminate our minds with the splendor of your grace, to purify us with the candor of your purity, to warm us with the warmth of your visit and to reconcile us with your Son, so that we may deserve to reach the splendor of his glory.
With his help, he who, with the angel's announcement, took on the glorious flesh from you and wanted to live in your womb for nine months. To him be the honor and glory for everlasting centuries.